Portable Electronic Flare Carrying Case and System

ABSTRACT

Carrying cases for electronic flares or other electronic signal emitting devices and related systems and methods.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This patent application is a continuation of copending U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 15/893,420 filed Feb. 9, 2018 and issuing as U.S.Pat. No. 10,551,014 on Feb. 4, 2020, which claims priority to U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 62/457,638 filed Feb. 10, 2017 and isalso a continuation-in-part of a) United States Design patentapplication Ser. No. 29/593,694 filed Feb. 10, 2017 and issued as U.S.Design Pat. No. D854,437 on Jul. 23, 2019 and b) U.S. Design patentapplication Ser. No. 29/613,191 filed Aug. 8, 2017 and issued as U.S.Design Pat. No. D854,438 on Jul. 23, 2019, the entire disclosure of eachsuch patent and application being expressly incorporated herein byreference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the fields of electronics andtraffic engineering and more particularly to carrying apparatus andportable flare systems and methods for marking hazards or intendedroutes of travel on roadways and the like.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Electronic flares are sometimes used in various applications to warndrivers/pedestrians of hazards, demarcate construction zones or detours,illuminate disabled or parked vehicles, and for other purposes.Currently available electronic flares include compact flares that may beplaced along a roadway, on a disabled/parked vehicle, at a point ofdemarcation, etc. which incorporate flashing light emitting diodes(LEDs). Examples of electronic flares are described in U.S. Pat. Nos.7,088,222; 7,106,179; 8,154,424; 8,550,653; 8,564,456; 8,579,460;9,288,088; 9,835,319; D510,289; D515,957; D515,958; D560,533; D654,387;D669,805; D778,752 and D778,753 as well as United States PatentApplication Publication Nos. 2013/0113634; 2016/0186971, the entiredisclosure of each such patent and application being expresslyincorporated herein by reference.

Pursuant to 37 CFR 1.71(e), this patent document contains material whichis subject to copyright protection and the owner of this patent documentreserves all copyright rights whatsoever.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONS

The present invention provides electronic flare carrying cases andsystems which comprise carrying cases in combination with electronicflares and associated apparatus for deploying, controlling andretrieving electronic flares. Unless specified otherwise, the term“electronic flares” as used herein shall be interpreted to include notonly light-emitting flares are specifically described, but alsosignaling devices that emit signals other than light, such as sounds orelectronic signals or other signals perceivable by humans or by devicesdesigned to receive such signals.

In accordance with one aspect of the invention, there is provided acarrying case for electronic flares comprising a body having a frontsurface and a rear surface, a plurality of flare holding positions onthe front surface and/or rear surface; and a handle. Each flare holdingposition may comprise at least one flare locator which guides placementof a flare at that flare holding position and at least one releasableattachment member which releasably holds a flare in place at that flareholding position. Such flare locators may comprise, for example,cavities, depressions, ridges, ribs, bumps, registry surfaces, guidemembers or other structures or devices configured to guide the verticalpositioning, horizontal positioning and/or rotational orientation of theflare when placed at that flare holding position. In some embodimentsthe flare locators may comprise connectors for releasably attaching theflares to the case. In some embodiments, the flares may be caused toemit light while positioned in the flare holding positions on the case.The flare holding positions and/or locators and or connectors may beconfigured for use with electronic flares of various sizes and/orshapes, such as general shapes selected from: rectangular, rectangularwith rounded corner, round, oval, ovoid, polygonal and star-like. Insome embodiments, flares may be positionable on only one side of thecase and in other embodiments flares may be positionable on both sidesof the case.

Further in accordance with the invention, there are provided carryingcases of the above-summarized type or other carrying cases forelectronic flares which include apparatus and circuitry (e.g., a powercord for connection of the case to a power outlet, a battery, etc.)useable for charging rechargeable flares when positioned in the flareholding locations.

Still further in accordance with the invention, there are providedcarrying cases of the above-summarized type or other carrying cases forelectronic flares which include switching apparatus for causing flaresto automatically turn on or actuate upon removal from the case.

Still further in accordance with the invention, there are providedcarrying cases of the above-summarized type or other carrying cases forelectronic flares which include a remote controller for controllingflares. Such remote controller may comprise a radio transceiver whichcommunicates with the flares, a microcontroller and a user interface. Insome embodiments, the flares may be controllable by the remotecontroller included in or on the case or alternatively by another devicesuch as a mobile phone, tablet computer, desktop computer, dedicatedremote controller or other device programmed to effect remote control ofthe flares.

Still further in accordance with the invention, there are providedcarrying cases of the above-summarized type or other carrying cases forelectronic flares which include apparatus useable to guide or facilitatedeployment of the flares. Such apparatus useable to guide or facilitatedeployment of the flares may, for example, be selected from: extendableelongate members, elongate members with flare locations indicators atspaced-apart locations thereon, elongate members with apparatus forattaching or connecting flares thereto at spaced-apart locationsthereon, light emitters that emit light to illuminate a line or patternon a surface where flares are to be placed, laser light emitters thatemit laser light to illuminate a line or pattern on a surface whereflares are to be placed, etc. In embodiments where the apparatuscomprises an elongate member or tether, the case may further comprise areeling device or other winding or gathering apparatus for winding orgathering the elongate member or tether for stowing when not in use.

Still further in accordance with the invention, there is provided asystem comprising a plurality of electronic flares and a carrying caseconfigured for carrying the flares on or in the case, said systemfurther comprising at least one element selected from: apparatus useablefor causing the flares to automatically turn on or become active uponremoval from the case; apparatus useable for delivering electricalcharge to the flares while the flares are positioned on or in the case;apparatus useable for facilitating deployment and/or retrieval of theflares and apparatus useable for remotely controlling the flares. Thecase may be any suitable type of case, such as a case which forms anenclosure within which the flares are carried or a case which has one ormore outer or exposed walls or surfaces on which the flares are carried.

Still further in accordance with the invention, there are providedmethods for using the carrying cases and systems disclosed herein.

Still further aspects and details of the present invention will beunderstood upon reading of the detailed description and examples setforth here below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The following detailed description and examples are provided for thepurpose of non-exhaustively describing some, but not necessarily all,examples or embodiments of the invention, and shall not limit the scopeof the invention in any way.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a portable flaresystem of the present invention comprising a carrying case of thepresent invention with flares mounted on front and/or rear surfaces ofthe carrying case.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a portable flaresystem of the present invention comprising a carrying case of thepresent invention with flares mounted on front and/or rear surfaces ofthe carrying case.

FIG. 3A is a front view of the carrying case of the embodiment shown inFIG. 1.

FIG. 3B is a rear view of the carrying case of the embodiment shown inFIG. 1.

FIG. 4A is a front view of the carrying case of the embodiment shown inFIG. 2.

FIG. 4B is a rear view of the carrying case of the embodiment shown inFIG. 2.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an alternative version of the embodimentshown in FIG. 1 adapted for caring flares having generally round shapes(e.g., round, ovoid, star-like, asterisk-like, etc.) than flares havinggenerally rectangular shapes (e.g., rectangular, rectangular withrounded comers, square, etc.)

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a portable flaresystem of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a portable flaresystem of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a portable flaresystem of the present invention.

FIG. 9 shows one embodiment of a portable flare system of the presentinvention which incorporates an optional flare tether.

FIG. 10 shows one embodiment of a portable flare system of the presentinvention which incorporates; a) an optional power source, b) anoptional remote control and c) an optional laser for projection of astraight line(s) on an adjacent surface to guide subsequent placement offlares.

FIG. 10A is a schematic diagram showing the system of FIG. 10 inoperation with the optional laser being used to project light onto aroad surface to guide subsequent placement of flares.

FIG. 11 shows one embodiment of a portable flare system of the presentinvention which incorporates optional switching apparatus toautomatically turn fares on when removed from the carrying case and/orturn flares off when reattached to the carrying case.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram illustrating steps in a method for using aportable flare system of the present invention which incorporates anoptional rechargeable power source and optional switching apparatus toautomatically turn flares on when removed from the carrying case and/orturn flares off when reattached to the carrying case.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following detailed description and the accompanying drawings towhich it refers are intended to describe some, but not necessarily all,examples or embodiments of the invention. The described embodiments areto be considered in all respects only as illustrative and notrestrictive. The contents of this detailed description and theaccompanying drawings do not limit the scope of the invention in anyway.

The carrying cases of the present invention may be configured to carryany suitable number of flares. For example, FIG. 1 shows a portableflare system 10 of the present invention wherein the carrying case 12 isuseable for carrying up to ten (10) flares 14 while FIG. 2 shows aportable flare system 10 a of the present invention wherein the carryingcase 12 is useable for carrying up to six (6) flares. Other sizes andconfiguration may alternatively be used in accordance with thisinvention.

As shown in the drawings, each carrying case 12 may comprise a body(e.g., a flat planar body or any other suitable body configuration)having front and rear surfaces 21 a, 12 b. A plurality of flare holdingpositions 18 are formed on the front surface 12 a and/or rear surface 12b. Flares 14 are mountable in the flare holding positions 18. The case12 may have a handle 16.

In some embodiments, each flare holding position 18 may comprise flarelocator(s) which guide placement of a flare 14 at that flare holdingposition 18. In the examples shown, such flare locator(s) compriseshallow locator wells (e.g., cavities or depressions) defined byperimeter walls 20 which correspond to the perimeter configurations ofthe flares 14 such that the flares 14 will insert and become seated, inspecific positions and rotational orientations, within each locatorwell. As an alternative to the locator wells shown in these examples,various other types of flare locator(s) may be used, such as; othercavities, other depressions, ridges, ribs, bumps, registry surfaces,guide members or other structures or devices that are configured toguide or dictate the vertical positioning, horizontal positioning and/orrotational orientation of the flares 14 when placed at that flareholding positions 18.

The case 12 further comprises releasable attachment members 22 forreleasably holding the flares 14 in place at the flare holding positions18. In the example shown, the releasable attachment members 22 comprisemagnets which interact with ferromagnetic regions or other magnetslocated on the flares 14 to hold the flares 14 in place when positionedin the flare holding positions 18. Any suitable types of releasableconnectors may be used as alternatives to magnets. For example, thereleasable attachment members 22 may comprise other magnets, hooks,pins, fasteners, adhesives, hook & loop material (e.g., Velcro), bayonetfixtures, friction fit rims or other apparatus for releasable holding ofthe flares 14 in place at that flare holding positions 18.

In some applications, the cases 12 may be used to carry flares 14 thatare non-rechargeable, such as those powered by changeable alkalinebatteries. However, in other applications the cases 12 may be used tocarry flares 14 that have rechargeable power sources (e.g., rechargeablebatteries). To facilitate recharging of rechargeable flares 14 whenpositioned in the flare holding positions 18, some embodiments of thecases may optionally incorporate electrical contacts 24 and othercircuitry/apparatus for charging rechargeable flares 14 when mounted inthe flare holding positions 18. In some such embodiments, the optionalrecharging circuitry/apparatus may include a power cord for connectingthe case to a power outlet (e.g., a 9v or 12v power outlet, 110-240 ACmains, etc.) as may be located in a building, garage, emergency vehicle,etc.

The examples shown in FIGS. 1 through 4B show flare holding positions 18and flares 14 that are generally rectangular (i.e., rectangular withrounded corners) in shape. However, the flare holding positions 18 maybe constructed to accommodate flares of any suitable shape, includingfor example other generally rectangular shapes, square round, oval,ovoid, polygonal, star-like, asterisk-like, multi-lobar, etc. By way ofexample, FIG. 5 shows an alternative version of the embodiment seen inFIG. 1, wherein the flare holding positions 18 are configured to holdgenerally round flares (e.g., flares with round bodies and small radialprojections resulting in a star-like or asterisk-like perimeterconfiguration.) This is but one of many possible shapes of the flares14. Non-limiting examples of flares that may be useable in combinationwith carrying cases 12 of the present invention include, but are notnecessarily limited to, those described in the above-incorporated U.S.Pat. Nos. 7,088,222; 7,106,179; 8,154,424; 8,550,653; 8,564,456;8,579,460; 9,288,088; 9,835,319, D510,289; D515,957; D515,958; D560,533;D654,387; D669,805; D778,752 and D778,753 as well as United StatesPatent Application Publication Nos. 2013/0113634; 2016/0186971. Also,other non-limiting examples of flares that may be useable in combinationwith carrying cases 12 of the present invention include but are notnecessarily limited to the LED flares commercially available from: PiVariables, Inc., Tustin, Calif.; Wagan Corporation, Hayward, Calif.;Aervoe, Gardnerville, Nev. and Powerflare Corporation, Menlo Park,Calif.

In addition to function as a carry case 12 and/or recharging station,the carrying cases 12 and systems 10, 10 a of the present invention mayalso be used for protection of individuals (e.g., emergency responders,roadway maintenance workers, stranded drivers, persons deploying orcollecting the flares 14 etc.). Because the flares 14 are mounted onouter surfaces of the case 12, the flares 14 may in some instances beallowed to continue to emit light when mounted in the flare holdingpositions 18. This differs from storage cases currently available forelectronic or LED flares wherein flares are placed inside of the caseand the case must be opened to allow insertion or removal of the flares.An advantage of this style case 12, in which the flares are positionedon outer or exposed walls or surfaces of the case, is that the operatorneed not open a carrying case or place it on the ground or the trunk ofa vehicle to deploy or retrieve the flares. Rather, flares may bemounted on the outer surfaces of the case 12 of the present inventionwhile the operator continues to hold the case 12 and such flares may, ifdesired, continue to emit light. In this manner, light will emanate fromthe case 12 while it is being carried by an individual, thereby makingthe individual's location more visible to oncoming traffic.

In some instances, the flares 14 may be designed such that all of theflares 14 will turn off in response to pushing of a single off button onone of the flares or elsewhere (e.g., the pi-Lit® Sequencing RoadSurface Flare available from Pi Variable, Inc., Tustin, Calif.). Whensuch flares 14 are used, an individual who is collecting the blinkingflares 14 from deployed positions along a roadway may allow one or moreof the flares 14 to continue to blink after they/It have/has beencollected and placed in flare holding position(s) 18 on the case 12,thereby causing flare(s) 14 on the case 12 to providing a clearindication of that individual's position along the roadway as theindividual completes the flare collection process. After all of theflares have been collected and the individual has moved to a locationout of harm's way, the blinking flare(s) 14 may then be turned off(individually or in unison if possible) so that that they no longer emitlight while stowed in a vehicle or other location.

Optional Automatic Actuation and/or De-Actuation of Flares

The flares can be programmed to turn on when they are removed from themagnetic attachment to the carrying case. As seen in the system 10 f (w/Tether) shown in the example of FIG. 9, a carrying case 12 f (w/ tether)is substantially the same as that shown in FIG. 8, but item 102represents flare being removed from the carrying case and turning on.

This can be accomplished by removing the power supplied by the case tothe flare. An on-board rechargeable battery located in the carrying casewill supply voltage to the Enable pin of the voltage regulator. Whenthis voltage is removed by removing the flare from the case the Enablepin will turn on the power to the flare using its own battery source.When the flare is removed, the loss of power would trigger the flare toturn on. An alternative approach is for the presence of a magnet andabsence of a magnet to trigger the flare to turn on. Another activationapproach may be implemented using a magnetic proximity sensor. As theflare is removed from the carrying case, a, sensor in the flareseparated from a small magnet (rare earth, for example) embedded in thecarrying case would, by virtue of the flare's separation from the case,activate a Hal Effect sensor, reed switch, or other magnetic device andthus turn on the flare, The benefit of having the flare turn on uponremoval from the case is that the operator (police, fire, utilitycompany, civilian, etc.) does not have to search for a button in thedark or while on a busy roadway or other dangerous area. In addition, byturning on the flare upon removal from the case deployment can bequicker.

Optional Apparatus for Remote Control of Flares

Using radio communication, flares 14 equipped with radio receivers thatare attached to the carry case may be controlled remotely using anysuitable type of remote control apparatus including but not limited to amobile phone, tablet computer or other computing device that isprogrammed to control the flares and or a dedicated remote control as ahand held remote controller, a remote controller that is mounted on orin the case, a remote controller that is positioned in an emergencyvehicle, etc. The use of a software application on a mobile phone,tablet, etc. provides a method for updates including modificationsand/or new features to be pushed to the operator over a cellularnetwork. In some embodiments, firmware improvements can be applied tothe LED flares 14 using the mobile phone and carrying case combination.

In some instances, the necessary remote control apparatus and electroniccircuitry can be incorporated directly into the carrying case 12 suchthat the case itself becomes the remote control unit. For example, amicrocontroller and radio transceiver, incorporated into the plasticenclosure of the carrying case would be controlled by tactile momentarycontact switches or capacitance sensitive switches located on thesurface of the carrying case, voice commands, mechanical percussive orrotational gestures, etc. Signals generated and transmitted by thecarrying case could control lamp flash pattern, brightness, on-offstate, direction of pattern march, simultaneous flashing, as well asorientation of flash and choice of LEDs flashing. This would provide theoperator with an always available remote control system able to operatevarious operational parameters of the flare from a distance of 300meters or greater. Rather than placing a cellular module in each lamp, asingle cellular communication device can be placed in the carrying caseand this would then communicate with an unlimited number of flares 14via a mesh network from a location limited only by internetavailability. For example, an operator can control the flares 14 from aremote location via the cellular node located in the carrying case.Features that can be remotely controlled include, but are not limitedto:

-   -   Choice of a particular flash pattern (e.g., fast flashing        progression, slow flashing progression, flares flashing in        groups (e.g., 2 at a time), long light emission per flash, short        light emission per flash, etc.);    -   Choice of which LEDs to flash (e.g., top or side LEDs);    -   Reversing or alternating sequence and flash direction;    -   Turning flares 14 on and off with or without preservation of the        previously set flashing pattern;    -   Locking buttons or other control inputs on the flares 14 to        avoid unwanted or unintended input or changing of setting by        unauthorized personnel; and/or    -   Performing battery status check of each lamp.

In some embodiments, apparatus for remote control of the flares 14 maybe integrated into the carrying case 12 or may be linked to a dedicatedcontroller such as a hand-held remote controller or a remote controlconsole mounted in an emergency vehicle or elsewhere. FIG. 10 shows onenonlimiting example of a carrying case/flare system 10 g in which thecarrying case 12 g includes an optional remote control device 40 as wellas other optional features discussed in other sections of the patentapplication. the carrying case Using the charge carrying case to carry a“translator” between Bluetooth, Zigbee, Wi-F, cellular, or othercommunications protocol: Electronic radio emitting flares can operatevia a number of different radio communication protocols. The ubiquitousnature of mobile smart phones provides opportunity for a smart phoneapplication to control various operational parameters of the distantflare. However, as smart phone technology currently is limited to usingBluetooth, cellular or Wi-fi to connect to local devices and the flaremay be using Zigbee or other protocol, a “translator” circuit boardcould be embedded in the carrying case to provide for connection of themobile phone to the flashing lamp. This would then allow for a simple,user friendly, graphical user interface on the smart phone to be used asa control screen for the flashing flare. This addition would also allowfor control of the flashing flares 14 from a distance via Internet andcellular communication. As the carrying case will always be present whenthe flares are in use, the necessary translator will always be withinrange.

In the example of FIG. 10, the case 12 g includes a case-integratedremote control 40 comprising a radio transceiver and microcontrollerhaving a user interface. In the example shown in FIG. 10, the userinterface includes buttons 41 labeled “inhibit,” “pattern,” Top/Side,”“Reverse,” “Group” and “Off” with an indicator light 43, such as a smallLED, next to each button. The case-integrated remote control 40 shown inthe example of FIG. 10 is useable as follows:

-   -   INHIBIT—This function allows the operator to pause the flares 14        from flashing while maintaining their current sequence and other        settings. When the button 41 labeled “Inhibit” is pushed the        indicator 43 next to that button will illuminate and all flares        14 being controlled with cease emitting flashes of light, but        the flares 14 will continue to communicate with neighboring        flares via radio and maintain their sequence order. Thereafter,        again depressing the button 41 labeled “inhibit” will cause the        associated indicator 41 to turn off and the flares 14 will once        again begin flashing in the previously determined sequence in        accordance with the previously set pattern and other programmed        settings.    -   PATTERN—The button 41 labeled “Pattern” may be used to select a        particular flare flashing pattern from a number of        pre-programmed flashing pattern options stored in the        microcontroller. A user may select the desired flashing pattern        by depressing the “Pattern” button a number of times to        correspond to the flashing pattern being selected. For example,        pressing the “Pattern” button 41 a single time will cause the        flares 14 to flash according to a pre-programmed Pattern #1 and        the indicator 43 next to the “Pattern” button 41 will blink in        single flashes to indicate that Pattern #1 is currently        selected. Pressing the “Pattern” button 41 twice in succession        will cause the flares 14 to flash according to a pre-programmed        Pattern #2 and the indicator 43 next to the “Pattern” button        will periodically emit two flashes of light to indicate that        Pattern #2 is currently selected. Pressing the “Pattern” button        41 three times in succession will cause the flares 14 to flash        according to a pre-programmed Pattern #3 and the indicator 43        next to the “Pattern” button will periodically emit groups of        three flashes of light to indicate that Pattern #3 is currently        selected, and so on. Alternatively, a single press of the button        will step through the choices one at a time, returning to the        first (default) choice when the last choice is passed by. In        this example, the remote controller 40 may store as many as 5 or        more selectable flashing patterns, such as a fast flashing        progression (Pattern #1), slow flashing progression (Pattern        #2), long light emission per flash (Pattern #3), short light        emission per flash (Pattern #4), and flares 14 flashing in pairs        (Pattern #5). In some embodiments one of the available patterns        may be a steady-on pattern where al of the flares illuminate        continuously with no blinking or flashing. Also other optional        flashing patters (e.g., long-short-long or long-long-short,        etc.) may be provided.    -   TOPISIDE—In some embodiments the flares 14 may be capable of        emitting light, either from the side(s) of the flares 14 and the        flares 14 may be equipped with sensors to or from the tops of        the flares 14 and may incorporate gravity-actuated switches or        attitude sensors that can automatically cause the flare 14 to        switch between a side-emitting mode and a top-emitting mode        depending on whether the flare is in a horizontal or vertical        position. Examples of such flares 14 are described in        above-incorporated U.S. Pat. No. 9,835,319. When such flares are        used in conjunction with the case 12 f of FIG. 10, the user may        use the button 41 labeled “top/side” to control whether the        flares 14 are operating in top-emitting mode or side-emitting        mode. For example, pressing the “Top/Side” button 41 a single        time will cause the flares 14 to operate in automatic mode based        on input to each flare from its gravity-actuated switch or        attitude sensor and the indicator light 41 next to the        “Top/Side” button 41 will blink in single flashes to indicate        that the flares are operating in automatic or “default” mode.        Pressing the “Top/Side” button 41 twice in succession will cause        the flares 14 to cause all of the controlled flares 14 to        operate in side-emitting mode and the indicator 43 next to the        “Top/Side” button will periodically emit two flashes of light to        indicate that side-emitting mode is currently selected. Pressing        the “Top/Side button 41 three times in succession will cause all        of the controlled flares 14 to flash in top-emitting mode and        the indicator 43 next to the “Top/Side” button will periodically        emit groups of three flashes of light to indicate that the        flares are operating in top-emitting mode.    -   REVERSE—The button 41 labeled “Reverse” may be used to reverse        the sequential order in which the controlled flares 14 flash.        For example, if a row or series of ten (10) flares 14 is being        controlled, the flares 14 may automatically default to flash in        serial order beginning with Flare 1 and ending with Flare 10.        When operating in such default condition the indicator 41 next        to the ‘Reverse’ button 43 will not be illuminated. However,        depressing the “Reverse” button will cause the flares to blink        in reverse order beginning with Flare 10 and ending with Flare 1        and the indicator light 41 next to the ‘Reverse’ button 43 will        illuminate to indicate that the flares 14 are flashing in        reverse order.    -   GROUP—In some applications flares may be deployed in different        groups and the remote controller 40 may be used to control more        than one group of flares 14. The button 41 labeled “Group” may        be used to select a particular group of flares 14 to be        controlled. Each group may be set to perform differently and        independently from other group(s). There is no limit to the        number of flares 14 in any one group, even if there are multiple        groups operating in close proximity. For example, the        microcontroller of remote controller 40 may be a plurality of        different Group ID choices and the button 41 labeled “Group” may        be depressed a particular number of times to select a particular        group of flares 14 for control. For example, pressing the        ‘Group’ button 41 a single time will cause the remote controller        40 to communicate with the flares 14 of Group ID #1 and the        indicator 43 next to the “Group” button 41 will blink in single        flashes to indicate that Group ID #1 is currently being        controlled. Pressing the ‘Group’ button 41 twice in succession        will cause the remote controller 40 to communicate with the        flares 14 of Group ID #2 and the indicator 43 next to the        “Pattern” button will periodically emit two flashes of light to        indicate that Group #2 is currently being controlled, and so on.    -   OFF—Depressing the button 43 marked “Off” will turn off all of        the flares 14 being controlled at that time. This allows all of        the flares 14 to be turned off from a safe location rather than        requiring a user to turn each flare 14 off individually. In        contrast to use of the “Inhibit” button 43 described above,        depressing the “Off” button 43 will cause all of the controlled        flares 14 to cease communicating with neighboring flares and the        previously-discerned sequence of the flares 14 will be lost.        Optional Apparatus for Assisting in Deployment and/or Retrieval        of Flares

The present invention also provides flare carrying cases which includeone or more apparatus for assisting in deployment and/or retrieval ofthe flares 14.

For example, FIG. 9 shows a flare system 10 f (w/ tether) in which thecase 12 f (w/ tether) incorporates a reeling device 30 andextendable/retractable tether 32 useable to facilitate deployment of theflares 14 in a straight row. The tether 32 may be made of any suitablematerial (e.g., a cloth or woven polymer ribbon, string, cable, etc.)and may be of any suitable width and length (e.g., approximately 150feet in length). The reeling device 30 may be mounted in or on any typeof flare carrying case or may be attached as a separate unit. Thereeling device 30 may be turnable by a hand crank, electric motor orother suitable mechanism or, alternatively, be spring-loaded such thatthe tether 32 can be pulled out and locked in an extended position foruse and, thereafter, retracted back onto the reeling device 30 after useby releasing the lock and allowing the spring load of the reeling device30 to reel in the tether 32.

As seen in FIG. 9, flare location indicators 34 may be provided atspaced-apart locations on the tether 32 to facilitate placement offlares 14 at desired intervals along the line demarcated by the extendedtether 32. Such flare location indicators 34 may, in some embodiments,comprise marks which indicate locations at which flares may be placed toprovide a certain desired spacing between the flares. In otherembodiments, such as the example shown in FIG. 9, the flare locationindicators may comprise connectors (e.g., mechanical, magnetic,frictional, etc.) that actually connect or attach the flares 14 to thetether 32. In the non-limiting example of FIG. 9, the flare locationindicators 34 comprise ferromagnetic members (e.g., ferrite washers)positioned at desired intervals (e.g., every 10 feet for example) andthe flares 14 have magnets which will attach the flares to theferromagnetic members. The magnets on the flares 14 may also be used tomagnetically attach the flares to the carrying case 12 f (w/ tether) orany other carrying case 12 in the manner described above. In someembodiments the distance between flare location indicators 34 may bevariable. For example, the tether 32 may have color coded connectors forconnecting ferrite washers to the tether at different spacing intervals.This will allow for the operator to choose the desired spacing interval(e.g., 3-meter spacing, 5-meter spacing, etc) for the particularapplication.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 9, an operator may extract and lock thetether 32 in an extended position lying upon a road surface and thenattach the flare 14 to the flare location indicators 34 thereby causingthe flares to be positioned at desired intervals in a substantiallystraight line. The flares 14 may then be used and controlled asdescribed herein. Following use, the flares 14 and tether 32 may beretrieved by hand-over-hand pulling of the tether 32 with the attachedflares 14 to a safe location. This allows the operator to retrieve theflares 14 without having to once again walk towards traffic to pick themup. The flares may then be detached from the tether 32 and stowed on thecase 12 f (w/ tether) and the tether 32 may then be reeled back to itsstowed position on the reeling device 30.

In some applications, the tether may be unreeled or pulled off of thereeling device 30 and the flares 14 may initially be connected orattached to the tether 32 while at a safe location, such as a positionshielded by a parked emergency or work vehicle. Thereafter, with thetether 32 and the attached case 12 f (w/ tether) may be firmly held in afixed position (e.g., by attaching the case 12 f (w/ tether) to the rearof the parked vehicle or other stationary object) or, if the proximalend of the tether 32 is not attached to a case, the proximal end of thetether 32 may be attached directly to a vehicle or stationary object byany suitable connector such as a hook, Velcro, etc. An operator may thengrasp the free (e.g., distal) end of the tether 32 and walk along theroadway (e.g., upstream towards traffic) while pulling the tether 32 andthe attached flares 14 along. As the operator walks towards oncomingtraffic the flares 14 will be drawn to rest in a straight line dictatedby the tether 32. By design or by instruction, the flares may beattached to only one side of the tether 32 as seen in the example ofFIG. 9. The sides of the tether 32 may in some embodiments be ofdifferent colors so as to be easily identified by the operator. Once thetether 32 is pulled taut by the operator, all of the flares 14 will beon the same side of the tether 32 and, hence, all flares 14 will beoriented property for light emitted from the flares 14 to be observed byoncoming traffic in the intended manner.

Another example, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 10A, is a laser emitter 44 toproject laser light 46 onto a road or other surface to create anilluminated line or other pattern useable as a guide for placement ofthe flares 14 in a straight row or other desired configuration. Thelaser emitter 44 may be powered by a power source 42 such as a batterywithin the case or by a wired connection of the case 12 g to a poweroutlet located in a nearby vehicle or structure. The laser emitter 44may be turned on and off, or turned on and then automatically turn offafter a timed period such as 10 minutes, for example.

In embodiments that incorporate one or more of the novel functionalfeatures described above, the flare carrying case may be more than apassive device used solely for mobility, but rather may be an activedevice providing for charging of the flares, control/communication,positional and/or optical alignment of flares, assisted deployment,placement and/or retrieval of flares and/or automatic turning on oractuation of the flares as they are removed from the case.

It is to be appreciated that, although the invention has been describedhereabove with reference to certain examples or embodiments of theinvention, various additions, deletions, alterations and modificationsmay be made to those described examples and embodiments withoutdeparting from the intended spirit and scope of the invention. Forexample, any elements, steps, members, components, compositions,reactants, parts or portions of one embodiment or example may beincorporated into or used with another embodiment or example, unlessotherwise specified or unless doing so would render that embodiment orexample unsuitable for its intended use. Also, where the steps of amethod or process have been described or listed in a particular order,the order of such steps may be changed unless otherwise specified orunless doing so would render the method or process unsuitable for itsintended purpose. Additionally, the elements, steps, members,components, compositions, reactants, parts or portions of any inventionor example described herein may optionally exist or be utilized in theabsence or substantial absence of any other element, step, member,component, composition, reactant, part or portion unless otherwisenoted. All reasonable additions, deletions, modifications andalterations are to be considered equivalents of the described examplesand embodiments and are to be included within the scope of the followingclaims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A carrying case for electronic flares comprising:a case body having an exposed surface; a plurality of flare holdingpositions on the exposed surface; and a wireless communication devicefor radiofrequency or cellular communication.
 2. A carrying caseaccording to claim 1 wherein each flare holding position comprises atleast one flare locator which guides placement of a flare at that flareholding position and at least one releasable attachment member whichreleasable holds a flare in place at that flare holding position.
 3. Acarrying case according to claim 2 wherein said at least one flarelocator comprises a cavity, depression, ridge, rib, bump, registrysurface, guide member or other structure or device configured to guidethe vertical positioning, horizontal positioning and rotationalorientation of the flare when place at that flare holding position.
 4. Acarrying case according to claim 2 wherein said at least one releasableattachment member comprises a magnet, hook, pin, fastener, adhesive,hook & loop material; Velcro material, bayonet fixture, friction fit rimor other apparatus for releasably holding the flare in place at thatflare holding position.
 5. A carrying case according to claim 1 whereinthe flare holding positions hold the flares such that flares positionedin the flare holding positions may emit light that is visible outside ofthe carrying case.
 6. A carrying case according to claim 1 wherein theflare holding positions are configured to hold flares having generalshapes selected from: rectangular, rectangular with rounded corner,round, oval, ovoid, polygonal and star-like. 7.-21. (canceled)
 22. Acarrying case according to claim 1 wherein the wireless communicationdevice is configured to enable the carrying case to communicate with acellular network.
 23. A system comprising a carrying case according toclaim 1 in combination with a plurality of flares which are alternatelymountable on and removable from the flare holding positions of thecarrying case.
 24. A system according to claim 23 wherein the wirelesscommunication device is configured to remotely control the flares whilethe flares are deployed away from the carrying case.
 25. A systemaccording to claim 24 wherein the flares are configured to emit flashesof light in different flashing patterns and the wireless communicationdevice is configured to remotely control the flash patterns in which theflares are emitting flashes of light.
 26. A system according to claim 24wherein the flares are configured to alternately emit light from theirtops or their sides and the wireless communication device is configuredto remotely control whether the flares emit light form their tops orfrom their sides.
 27. A system according to claim 24 wherein the flaresare configured to emit flashes of light in a sequence and wherein thewireless communication device is configured to remotely reverse oralternate a sequence in which the flares emit flashes of light.
 28. Asystem according to claim 24 wherein the wireless communication deviceis configured to remotely turn the flares on or off.
 29. A systemaccording to claim 24 wherein the flares are powered by batteries andthe wireless communication device is configured to remotely check thestatus of the batteries which power the flares.
 30. A carrying caseaccording to claim 1 wherein the wireless communication device isconfigured to receive software or firmware updates and to deliver saidsoftware or firmware updates to flares which are mounted at said flareholding positions on the case.
 31. A system according to claim 23wherein the wireless communication device comprises a carrying casecellular module and wherein each flare comprises a flare cellular modulefor communication with the carrying case cellular module.
 32. A systemaccording to claim 23 wherein the wireless communication devicecomprises a carrying case cellular module for receiving information viaa cellular network and wherein the wireless communication device isfurther configured to communicate with the flares by radiofrequencycommunication.
 33. A system according to claim 23 wherein the wirelesscommunication device comprises a carrying case cellular module whichcommunicates with the flares when the flares are deployed away from thecarrying case via a mesh network.
 34. A system according to claim 23wherein the flares have batteries and the carrying case is configured tocharge the flare batteries while the flares are mounted at flare holdingpositions on the carrying case.
 35. A system according to claim 23wherein the flares are configured to automatically turn on upon removalfrom a flare holding position of the carrying case.